Expert advice from Cancer Council on Sugar drinks

"Too much sugar can lead to weight gain. When you gain weight fat doesn't just build up around your waist." Cancer Council Victoria

The Australian Dental Association is supporting calls for warning labels on sweet drinks after a study by the University of Adelaide reported that 56 % of Australian children aged 5 to 16 consumed at least one sugared drink a day and 13% consumed 3 or more sugared drinks per day!

As these drinks are significantly associated with dental decay dental health workers and researchers feel the message just isn't getting out to children and parents.

The National Health and Medical Research Council will update dietary guidelines in February and they are expected to include recommendations to limit the intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars. Read more in the smh about the Australian situation...

Recently New York Mayor has caused controversy with his ban on selling super-size sodas. The Mayor is now looking at outlawing any soft drink over 16 ounces. His ban is in the name of combatting obesity and diabetes which is plaguing New York people. Read more...

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks encourage you to drink more fluid than plain water does helping adequate rehydration.

Sugar and acid in sports drinks can cause your teeth to wear away and become yellow at a younger age.

[Carbohydrate rich foods are far better than soft drinks to replenish lost "energy stores" in muscles and liver.]

Acid content of drinks
A low ph means something is more acidic. Acid dissolves the outer surface of the tooth.

DRINK

ph

Cola drinks

2.4

Diet Cola drinks

3.2

Sports drinks

2.8 - 3.1

Citrus based soft drinks

2.8

Natural Orange juice

3.6

Orange-Mango fruit juice

3.2

Minimising the damage of drinks

Drink plenty of water or milk

Beware of water filters - don't use one that takes out fluoride. It's your best protection against decay.

Use a straw if you MUST drink these liquids.

Mineral water is less damaging to your teeth than soft drinks.

Diet soft drink may not have the harmful sugars but will usually have harmful acid.

The Coke controversy: Soft drinks and teeth

Coca-Cola recently (April 2009) published corrective advertising in newspapers across the country about its 'myth-busting' campaign following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The press release from the ACCC on 2 April 2009 stated "Coke's messages were totally unacceptable, creating an impression which is likely to mislead that Coca-Cola cannot contribute to weight gain, obesity and tooth decay. They also had the potential to mislead parents about the potential consequences of consuming Coca Cola."
Consumers can visit The Australian Government's website, www.healthyactive.gov.au – click on "Healthy Weight", which has tips and information on physical health and nutrition."

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Drs. Andrew Mizzi and Herman Tokatlidis look forward to welcoming you to dental care and health for life.